Systems and methods for controlling an indoor/outdoor stadium

ABSTRACT

A method of cooling an interior volume of an indoor/outdoor stadium prior to an event includes positioning a roof in a closed position at least 24 hours prior to the event, cooling the interior volume of the stadium using cooling units while the roof is in the closed position, positioning the roof in an open position prior to the event, and cooling only a portion of the interior volume using the cooling units during the event.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a stadium, and moreparticularly, to controlling indoor/outdoor stadium systems,apparatuses, and methods for passively reducing the stadium's energydemand.

2. Description of Related Art

Harsh climates or weather conditions may preclude the use of open-airfacilities while staging a sporting event. However, many sporting eventsare traditionally played outdoors. Thus, stadiums may implement aconvertible roofing system that may be closed in inclement weather andopen when the weather permits comfortable conditions within the stadium.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The problems presented by existing convertible roofing systems areaddressed by the systems, apparatuses, and methods of the illustrativeembodiments described herein. In one embodiment, a method of cooling aninterior volume of an indoor/outdoor stadium prior to an event ispresented. The method includes positioning a roof in a closed positionat least 24 hours prior to the event, cooling the interior volume of thestadium using cooling units while the roof is in the closed position,positioning the roof in an open position prior to the event, and coolingonly a portion of the interior volume using the cooling units during theevent.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the illustrative embodimentswill become apparent with reference to the drawings and detaileddescription that follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described indetail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, which areincorporated by reference herein and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram, of a zero carbon stadiuminfrastructure, according to an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a stadium of the zero carbonstadium infrastructure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a partial exploded view of the stadium of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of the stadium of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic diagram of the stadium of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 illustrates a plan view of the stadium of FIG. 2 in an openposition;

FIG. 7 illustrates a plan view of the stadium of FIG. 2 in a closedposition;

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the stadium of FIG. 6taken along line 8-8;

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the stadium of FIG. 6taken along line 9-9;

FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the stadium of FIG. 7taken along line 10-10;

FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the stadium of FIG. 7taken along line 11-11;

FIG. 12 illustrates a detailed, cross-sectional view of one embodimentof a wheel mechanism and a curtain system;

FIG. 13 illustrates a detailed view of one embodiment of a wheelmechanism and a curtain system;

FIG. 14A illustrates one embodiment of a multi-layer roof;

FIG. 14B illustrates an exploded view of the multi-layer roof of FIG.14A;

FIG. 15 illustrates one embodiment of a curtain system in a closedposition;

FIG. 16 illustrates the curtain system of FIG. 15 in an open position;

FIG. 17 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the wheel mechanism and acurtain system;

FIG. 18 illustrates one embodiment of a North elevation, side view ofthe stadium of FIG. 2;

FIG. 19 illustrates one embodiment of an East elevation, side view ofthe stadium of FIG. 2;

FIG. 20 illustrates one embodiment of a South elevation, side view ofthe stadium of FIG. 2;

FIG. 21 illustrates one embodiment of a West elevation, side view of thestadium of FIG. 2;

FIG. 22A illustrates a schematic diagram of a microclimate coolingsystem;

FIG. 22B illustrates another schematic diagram of a microclimate coolingsystem;

FIG. 22C illustrates another schematic diagram of a microclimate coolingsystem;

FIG. 23 illustrates a perspective view of a microclimate cooling system;

FIG. 24A illustrates a perspective view of seats;

FIG. 24B illustrates a side view of one of the seats of FIG. 23A;

FIG. 24C illustrates a top view of the seat of FIG. 23B;

FIG. 24D illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a seatingtribune;

FIG. 25 illustrates one embodiment of a microclimate cooling system

FIG. 26 illustrates a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the zerocarbon infrastructure of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 27 illustrates a schematic diagram of one embodiment for coolingthe stadium using a zero carbon infrastructure;

FIG. 28 illustrates a flow diagram for cooling the stadium;

FIG. 29 illustrates a flow diagram for controlling the stadium;

FIG. 30 illustrates a flow diagram for cooling the stadium;

FIG. 31 illustrates a flow diagram for cooling the stadium;

FIG. 32 illustrates a schematic diagram of a network; and

FIG. 33 illustrates a schematic diagram of building management system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following detailed description of several illustrativeembodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form apart hereof, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, specificembodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodimentsare described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art topractice the invention, and it is understood that other embodiments maybe utilized and that logical structural, mechanical, electrical, andchemical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scopeof the invention. To avoid detail not necessary to enable those skilledin the art to practice the invention, the description may omit certaininformation known to those skilled in the art. The following detaileddescription is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of thepresent invention is defined only by the appended claims. Unlessotherwise indicated, as used herein, “or” does not require mutualexclusivity.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an illustrative embodiment of a zero carbonstadium infrastructure 100 having a stadium 102 with a zero-carbonenergy infrastructure 104 is presented. The stadium 102 may be poweredby any one of a combination of power sources 106 for effectivelyproviding a zero-carbon energy infrastructure 104. The combination ofpower sources 106 may include a solar farm 108, a public or nationalpower grid 110, or a bio-diesel generator 112. The stadium 102 may beconvertible from an indoor stadium to an outdoor stadium via a moveableroofing system 114. The moveable roofing system 114 includes a fixedportion 115 and a moveable portion 116. The stadium 102 allows sportingevents to be played with the feeling of being outside, whileacknowledging that extreme temperatures or unfavorable weatherconditions may preclude the use of an outdoor, or open-air stadium. Thestadium 102 may also be referred to as an indoor/outdoor stadium.

The zero carbon stadium infrastructure 100 presents a future forstadiums to be powered by sustainable energy infrastructures.Sustainability is a broad subject, covering environment, economic, andsocial issues. However, for purposes of this application, the term“sustainable” is limited to environmental impacts and energyconsumption. The term “zero carbon infrastructure” means that the zerocarbon energy infrastructure harnesses sufficient energy from renewableresources to provide power to entirely offset the energy used by theinfrastructure. In one embodiment the renewable resource is from thesun. In this embodiment, solar energy is captured and converted toelectrical energy and thermal energy for cooling. The electrical energyis supplied to the stadium 102, exported to a public grid andre-imported when the stadium 102 demands, or a combination of the above.While the stadium 102 is shown as part of the zero carbon stadiuminfrastructure 100, it should be understood that the stadium 102 may beused with any available power source and is not limited to renewableenergy sources or zero carbon power sources. For example, the stadium102 may be run on fossil fuels.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-5, an illustrative embodiment of theindoor/outdoor stadium 102 is presented. The stadium 102 may be arrangedin a circular plan having a circular facade 136 that encompasses a pitchor playing field 118 large enough to accommodate a regulation sized5-a-side football field, also referred to in some parts of the world asa soccer field. The circular facade 136 provides an efficient and simplegeometry that provides flexibility when choosing land development sitesand may further provide flexibility in sizing the stadium 102 to besmaller or larger. The pitch 118 will preferably be comprised of naturalgrass, such as Bermuda grass varietals, but it should be appreciatedthat the pitch 118 may also be an artificial grass.

The pitch 118 is surrounded by the circular façade 136. The circularfaçade 136 includes a first plurality of support columns 144 supportinga first roof support 146 and a second plurality of support columns 126supporting a second roof support 138. The first and second plurality ofsupport columns 144, 126 may be comprised of raking steel columns thatmay be positioned in a “V” formation. The “V” formation may contributeto the stability of the stadium 102. The first plurality of supportcolumns 144 includes a first end 180 connected to a stadium foundation182, and a second end 184 connected to the first roof support 146. Thesecond plurality of support columns 126 includes a first end 186 alsoconnected to the stadium foundation 182, and a second end 188 connectedto the second roof support 138.

A plurality of wall panels 122 may be clad to the first and secondplurality of support columns 144, 126. The plurality of wall panels 122may be various sizes and may be curved pre-cast concrete panels. In oneembodiment, the plurality of wall panels 122 includes a plurality ofstandard wall panels 123 and a plurality of dwarf wall panels 125. Theplurality of standard wall panels 123 may be a height, h1 greater than aheight, h2 of the plurality of dwarf wall panels 125. In a non-limitingillustration, the height, h1 of the standard wall panels 123 may beapproximately 9 meters and the height, h2, of the dwarf wall panels 125may be approximately 3 meters.

The plurality of dwarf wall panels 125 may be positioned adjacent theplurality of standard wall panels 123 to form an opening 142. Theopening 142 may be covered by a curtain system having a screen 124. Thescreen 124 may be positioned on the Eastern side of the circular façade136 and may retract horizontally along the circular façade 136 to exposethe opening 142 to the outside when external weather conditions permitnatural ventilation. In an open position the screen 124 will expose theopening 142 to the outside environment which may allow for ventilationand natural lighting. In the closed position, the screen 124 willprovide a transparent barrier that protects an interior space 134 of thestadium 102 from exterior elements such as the weather. The screen 124is transparent allowing natural sunlight to filter into the stadium 102and spectators from within the stadium 102 to view the environmentoutside the stadium 102. The screen 124 may be comprised of an ethylenetetraflouroethylene (ETFE) material. Alternatively, the screen 124 maybe made of insulated glass units. The screen 124 will be discussed inmore detail below with regard to FIGS. 12-13 and 15-21 curtain system300.

The stadium 102 further comprises a seating tribune 128 from whichspectators may view an event taking place on the pitch 118. The seatingtribune 128 is configured to provide spectators with an unobstructedview of the pitch 118. The seating tribune 128 may be referred to asstadium seating, tiered seating, or cascaded seating. The seatingtribune 128 will be described in more detail below with reference toFIGS. 22A-25 The seating tribune 128, the pitch 118, and other internalcomponents of the stadium 102, which may be referred as the interiorspace 134, are surrounded by the circular façade 136 and are covered bythe moveable roofing system 114.

The moveable roofing system 114 is a spherical dome structure comprisinga fixed half dome 130, also referred to as the fixed portion 115, and arotatable half dome 132, also referred to as the moveable portion 116.The rotatable half dome 132 rotates relative to the fixed half dome 130to any number of positions ranging from 0 to 180 degrees. In oneembodiment, the rotatable half dome 132 may rotate relative to the fixedhalf dome 130 to any number of positions ranging from 0 to 360 degrees.The rotation of the rotatable half dome 132 relative to the fixed halfdome 130 allows the moveable roofing system 114 to be in a fully openposition, a fully closed position, or a position somewhere between fullyopen or fully closed. The moveable roofing system 114 is configured toprovide general protection against the weather that may include shadeand thermal insulation against the sun. The moveable roofing system 114may help maintain a controlled environment within the stadium 102 andmay be moved based on current and predicted weather conditions.

Certain aspects of the stadium 102 will be described in more detailbelow. For example, a moveable roofing system, a multi-layer roof, acurtain system, a microclimate cooling system, a solar farm, and acontrol system may be aspects of the stadium 102 and will be describedbelow in more detail. The above mentioned aspects of the stadium 102 maybe used individually or in combination to passively reduce the energydemand of the stadium 102 to contribute to the sustainable future of thestadium 102.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-13, an illustrative embodiment of the moveableroofing system 114 is presented in more detail. As previously stated,the moveable roofing system 114 may help maintain a controlledenvironment within the stadium 102. The term “moveable roof” is notmeant to be limiting, for example, the moveable roofing system 114 mayalso be described as a revolving roof, a rotatable roof, or aretractable roof. The moveable roofing system 114 may be one aspect ofthe overall stadium 102 design that contributes to a passive reductionof energy usage.

As previously stated, the moveable roofing system 114 includes the fixedhalf-dome 130 and the rotatable half dome 132. The fixed half-dome 130is fixed to and supported by the first roof support 146 such that thefixed half dome 130 does not move. The fixed half dome 130 has a centerpoint 148. The first roof support 146 may be a semi-circular ring beam.The rotatable half dome 132 rotates about and is supported by a secondroof support 138. The rotatable half dome 132 has a center point 149.The second roof support 138 may be a circular ring beam. The first roofsupport 146 and the second roof support 138 may be positioned atapproximately roof height 140. Additionally, the center points 148, 149may be coincident. In one, specific, non-limiting embodiment, the roofheight 140 is approximately 9 meters above the pitch 118. The first roofsupport 146 may be substantially coplanar with the second roof support138. In another embodiment, the first roof support 146 may be higher orlower than the second roof support 138. For example, the first roofsupport 146 might be higher or lower than the second roof support 138 byapproximately 1 meter.

The first roof support 146 may be concentric to the second roof support138. As the rotatable half dome 132 rotates about the second roofsupport 138, the rotatable half dome 132 is rotating relative to thefixed half dome 130 and may completely retracted beneath the fixed halfdome 130. Thus, the fixed half dome 130 may be referred to as an outerhalf dome and the rotatable half dome 132 may be referred to as an innerhalf dome. The rotatable half dome 132 and the fixed half dome 130 areconfigured such that rotatable half dome 132 rotates relative to thefixed half dome 130 without interference. As shown in a specific,non-limiting embodiment, the first roof support 146 has a first diameter150 greater than a second diameter 152 of the second roof support 138.In this embodiment the fixed half dome 130 also has a first height 154greater than a second height 156 of the rotatable half dome 132. Thefirst height 154 is sufficiently greater than the second height 156 suchthat the rotatable half dome 132 rotates beneath the fixed half dome 130without interference. As previously mentioned, the rotatable half dome132 may retract beneath the fixed half dome 130. In another embodiment(not shown), the rotatable half dome 132 has a diameter greater than thefixed half dome 130 such that the rotatable half dome 132 rotates aboutthe exterior of the fixed half dome 130.

The rotatable half dome 132 may rotate about the second roof support 138anywhere from approximately 0 degrees up to a full 360 degrees in anydirection. The rotatable half dome 132 may be configured to move to aplurality of positions based on current and predicted weatherconditions. Additionally, the rotatable half dome 132 may at leastpartially retract beneath the fixed half dome 130 to provide naturalultra-violet photosynthesis to the natural grass pitch 118. For example,the rotatable half dome 132 may rotate 180 degrees about the second roofsupport 138, or the rotatable half dome 132 may rotate 360 degrees aboutthe second roof support 138. Likewise, the rotatable half dome 132 mayrotate either clockwise or counterclockwise about the second roofsupport 138. In a specific, non-limiting embodiment, the rotatable halfdome 132 rotates clockwise 180 degrees to open. In an open position 178,shown at least in FIGS. 6, 8, and 9, the rotatable half dome 132 isfully retracted beneath the fixed half dome 130. To close, the rotatablehalf dome 132 rotates 180 degrees counterclockwise. In a closed position176, shown in at least FIGS. 7, 10, and 11, the fixed half dome 130 andthe rotatable half dome 132 cover the interior 134 of the stadium 102.In the closed position 176, the rotatable half dome 132 may be locateddirectly above the pitch 118 and the fixed half dome 130 may be locateddirectly above the seating tribune 128. In one embodiment, the fixedhalf dome 130 is on the West side of the stadium 102. Thus, therotatable half dome 132 may be on the East or West side of the stadium102 depending on whether the stadium 102 is in the open or closedposition 178, 176.

The rotatable half dome 132 further includes a leading edge 159. Theleading edge 159 includes a first end 160 and a second, opposing end162. The first end 160 may diametrically oppose the second end 162. Therotatable half dome 132 may further include a tie cable 158 thatconnects the first end 160 of the leading edge 159 to the second end 162of the leading edge 159. The tie cable 158 horizontally stabilizes therotatable half dome 132 by restraining the first end 160 of therotatable half dome 132 to the second end 162 of the rotatable half dome132. To avoid sagging of the tie cable 158, the tie cable 158 issupported by a plurality of vertical cables 163 connected to the leadingedge 159. The lengths of the plurality of vertical cables 163 are suchthat the tie cable 158 may appear curved. Under normal design loads thetie cable 158 will just avoid going slack. However, if an uplift, or anupward wind force is presented to the rotatable half dome 132, the tiecable 158 may be allowed to go slack without harm to the rotatable halfdome 132 because the rotatable half dome 132 is configured to withstandthe uplift under normal rated operating conditions.

The fixed half dome 130 further includes a leading edge 190 that has afirst end 192 and a second, opposing end 194. The fixed half dome 130may extend beyond the first roof support 146 towards the ground. In oneembodiment, the fixed half dome 130 tangentially extends beyond thefirst roof support 146 towards the ground. The first end 192 of theleading edge 190 is connected to the ground at a first position 196 andthe second end 194 of the leading edge 190 is connected to the ground ata second position 198. The first end 192 may be diametrically opposed tothe second end 194.

In both the open and closed position 176, 178, the leading edge 159 ofthe fixed half dome 130 and the leading edge 190 of the rotatable halfdome 132 are substantially coplanar. Further, in the closed position176, the leading edge 159 of the fixed half dome 130 and the leadingedge 190 of the rotatable half dome 132 are substantively on opposingsides of the same plane.

Referring still to FIGS. 4-13, but with specific reference to FIGS. 12and 13, the rotatable half dome 132 is connected to a plurality of wheelor bearing mechanisms 164 that are positioned within a channel 166 ofthe second roof support 138. The rotatable half dome 132 is slideablyconnected to the second roof support 138. The channel 166 is positionedalong the circumference 168 of the second roof support 138. Aspreviously mentioned, the second roof support 138 is supported by thesecond plurality of support columns 126. The second plurality of supportcolumns 126 will avoid going into tension under rated operatingconditions when the rotatable half dome 132 is presented with an upliftforce. Any horizontal forces transmitted from the moving half dome tothe second roof support 138 may be minimized by the tie cable 158 whichwill help transmit horizontal forces back into the second roof support138. The rotatable half dome 132 is sufficiently stiff so that therotatable half dome 132 does not rely on the second roof support 138 totake horizontal forces from the rotatable half dome 132. However, therewill inevitably be some horizontal load transfer from the rotatable halfdome 132 to the second roof support 138 due to the relative stiffness ofboth the rotatable half dome 132 and the second roof support 138. Thecombination of the support columns being in “V” formation and thecircular structure of the second roof support 138 will provide theoverall stability for the rotatable half dome 132.

The rotation of the rotatable half dome 132 is achieved by means of thewheel mechanism 164 fixed on a perimeter 170 of the rotatable half dome132. The wheel mechanism 164 sits in the channel 166 of the second roofsupport 138 which is used as a track for the wheel mechanism 164. Thecircular geometry of the rotatable half dome 132 and second roof support138 allow the dome to be rotated at any desirable angle and from eitherdirection. Under operating conditions, the wheel mechanism 164 shouldnot be required to take any uplift forces. However, a fail-safe railing120 may be attached to the wheel mechanism 164 to keep the wheelmechanism 164 and, consequently the rotatable half dome 132, fromlifting off of the channel 166. In one, non-limiting embodiment, thewheel mechanism 164 includes a horizontal wheel 172 and a vertical wheel174, the combination of which accommodates eccentric and torsionalloading without any deformations in the wheel mechanism 164 having animpact on stability or moveability of the rotatable half dome 132.

Referring now primarily to FIGS. 12-14B, the moveable roofing system 114will be further described as a multi-layer roof configuration 200 forpassively reducing the energy demand on the stadium 102. While themulti-layer roof configuration 200 is described as part of the moveableroofing system 114, it should be appreciated that the moveable roofingsystem 114 and the multi-layer roof configuration 200 are not dependentupon each other to function. For example, the moveable roofing system114 may properly function without the multi-layer roof configuration200, and the multi-layer roof configuration 200 may be applied to adifferent roofing system other than the moveable roofing system 114 aspreviously described. The multi-layer roof configuration 200 may be oneaspect in an overall stadium 102 design that contributes to a passivereduction of energy usage by the stadium 102.

The multi-layer roof configuration 200 includes an inner layer 202, anouter layer 204, and an intermediate layer 206. The inner layer 202, theouter layer 204, and the intermediate layer 206 may be curved such thatthe inner, outer, and intermediate layers 202, 204, 206 follow thegeodesic geometry of the fixed and rotatable half domes 130, 132.

The inner layer 202 includes a curved inner framework or a carrier frame222 having a first side 246 and a second, opposing side 248, and aplurality of pillows 208 positioned on the second side 248 of thecarrier frame 222. The plurality of pillows 208 of the inner layer 202may be comprised of a triangulated ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE)pillow. The inner layer 202 will be fixed to a lower cord 210 (see FIG.10) of both the fixed half dome 130 and the rotatable half dome 132. Theplurality of ETFE pillows 208 fixed to the lower cord 210 of therotatable half dome 132 may terminate at an interface 212 with thesecond roof support 138 wherein an insulated flashing 214 may form animpermeable seal 216 over the channel 166 and the wheel mechanism 164.The insulated flashing 214 may also form a closure over a parapet 218 ofthe circular façade 136.

The plurality of ETFE pillows 208 may be comprised of a 4-layer foilpillow with an applied frit to the outer layer to achieve an overallheat transfer coefficient (U-value) of 1.5 W/(m²K) and a solar heat gaincoefficient (G-value) of 0.4. The U-value measures the rate of heattransfer through a building element over a given area, understandardized conditions. The G-value refers to the increase intemperature in a space or object due to solar radiation. The strength ofthe sun and a materials ability to resist or transmit the solarradiation factors into the G-value. The plurality of pillows 208 willhave a number of edges or a perimeter 220 that will be continuouslyconnected to the carrier frame 222. The carrier frame 22 includescondensation trays or a gutter system 224. The number of edges 220 maybe clamped to the carrier frame 222. The carrier frame 222 may be madeof an extruded aluminum. The plurality of pillows 208 will have acompressed air supply as per manufacturer's instructions. The pluralityof pillows 208 may be manufactured by Vector Foiltec.

As installed, the plurality of pillows 208 will be substantially free ofwrinkles. At the perimeter 220 of each of the plurality of ETFE pillows208, the gutter system 224 will collect water run-off. The gutter system224 will be fixed to the underside of the lower cord 210 of both thefixed and rotatable half domes 130, 132 and may be lined with anunplasticized polyvinyl chloride (uPVC) single ply membrane, or vinylsiding, that will form a continuous impermeable seal to the ETFE frame(not shown). The gutter system 224 will interconnect without obstructionto their cross-sectional area, thereby forming a gutter network 226 thatwill freely discharge run-off over the outside of the circular façade136.

The carrier frame 222 will be fixed to the intermediate layer 206 ofboth the fixed and rotatable half domes 130, 132. The intermediate layer206 connects the inner layer 202 to the outer layer 204 and providesstructural support to both the inner layer 202 and the outer layer 204.In other words, the intermediate layer 206 carries the structural loadsfrom the inner layer 202 and the outer layer 204. The intermediate layer206 is comprised of a plurality of bracing elements 228 that may beconnected in a truss configuration. The intermediate layer 206 may bemade of steel components. The intermediate layer 206 offsets the innerlayer 202 from the outer layer 204. The outer layer 204 may be offsetfrom the inner layer 202 by approximately 1500 mm. The offset providedby the intermediate layer 206 permits airflow between the inner layer202 and the outer layer 204. The intermediate layer 206 has a first side250 and a second, opposing side 252. The first side 250 of theintermediate layer 206 is connected to the second side 248 of thecarrier frame 222.

The outer layer 204 includes a plurality of panels 230 supported on acurved secondary frame 232. The plurality of panels 230 may betriangular and may include various sizes. The outer layer 204 is fixedto an outer cord 234 (see FIG. 10) of the fixed and rotatable half dome130, 132. The outer layer 204 may be shaped so as to minimize the numberof different sized panels 230. The outer layer 204 may further be shapedsuch that the plurality of panels 230 form a circular symmetryapproximately every 60 degrees. The number of different sizes needed forthe plurality of panels 230 to cover the fixed and rotatable half domes130, 132 depends on the curvature of the fixed and rotatable half domes130, 132.

The plurality of panels 230 may be permeable screens of triangulatedaluminum composite or polyvinyl chloride material (PVC). The curvedsecondary frame 232 has a first side 254 and a second, opposing side256. The first side 254 of the curved secondary frame 232 is connectedto the second side 252 of the intermediate layer 206. The curvedsecondary frame 232 may be made of steel and may provide continuoussupport to a perimeter 242 of the plurality of panels 230. The outerlayer 204 forms solar hoods 236 which may also be referred to asplurality of shading tents. The solar hoods 236, or shading tents, maybe overlapped along the curve of the outer layer 204 or cascaded alongthe curve of the outer layer 204. The overlap between the solar hoods236 create a plurality of openings 258 that permit air flow and sunlightto filter through the intermediate layer 206. In one embodiment, theplurality of openings 258 face North. In another embodiment, theplurality of openings 258 face South. The positioning of the pluralityof openings 258 either North or South is a passive means of reducing theenergy demand by the stadium 102. Cascading the solar hoods 236,configuring a plurality of openings 258 between the solar hoods 236, andpositioning the plurality of openings 258 either North or Southpassively reduces the energy demand of the stadium 102 by reflectingthermal energy from the sun while allowing natural light and ventilationto permeate the outer layer 204.

The plurality of panels 230 includes a first side 238 and a second,opposing side 240, wherein the first side 238 is connected to the secondside 256 of the curved secondary frame 232. The second side 240 of theplurality of panels 230 faces the atmosphere and may be made of aluminumhaving a natural anodized finish. The second side 240 may be adhered toa core of rigid, dense thermal insulation. The first side 238 may have auniformly colored finish, that may be made of aluminum or alternativelya boarding material such as ply-wood. The arrangement of the pluralityof panels 230, i.e., the solar hoods 236, on the outer layer 204 of boththe fixed half dome 130 and the rotatable half dome 132 creates a stiffconstruction or diaphragm that resists the spreading of the fixed androtatable half domes 130, 132. Spreading is the tendency of the dome toflatten.

The plurality of panels 230 may have a U-value of 1.15 W/(m²K) and asolar reflectance index (SRI) equal or greater than 78 for a minimum of75% of the moveable roofing system 114. Thus, the solar hoods 236 maycover at least 75 percent of the outer layer 204.

Referring now primarily to FIGS. 12-13 and 15-21, a curtain system 300is presented. The curtain system 300 may be included as part of thecircular façade 136 of the stadium 102. The curtain system 300 may beone aspect of the overall stadium 102 design that contributes to apassive reduction of energy usage. The curtain system 300 may be usedalone or in combination with other elements of the stadium 102 topassively reduce energy demand.

The curtain system 300 may include a first vertical screen 302 and asecond vertical screen 304 slidingly positioned along the circularfaçade 136. The first vertical screen 302 may move in a directionopposing the second vertical screen 304 such that the curtain system 300parts as the first and second vertical screens 302, 304 move away fromeach other. The first and second vertical screens 302, 304 may form apart of the Eastern side of the circular façade 136 such the first andsecond screens 302, 304 cover the opening 142 opposite the seatingtribune 128 when the curtain system 300 is in a closed position 336 asseen in FIG. 15. The first and second vertical screens 302, 304 aremounted on a first and second frame 306, 308, respectively. The firstand second frames 306, 308 may be constructed of steel and may span fromthe ground, e.g., approximately pitch 118 level, to the second roofsupport 138. The frames 306, 308 may have both vertical and triangulatedmullions. The frames 306, 308 support the first and second screen 302,304 to form two sliding screens which retract behind the adjacent wallpanels 122. In one embodiment there may be as single vertical screenthat slides behind the plurality of wall panels 122 instead of twovertical screens. The screens may be constructed out of an ETFEmaterial.

The screens 302, 304 may have a top hung roller assembly 310 fixed tothe second roof support 138 and a flush rebated track channel 312 in thefloor accommodating roller guides 314 fixed to a screen base 316. Thescreens 302, 304 may have sealing members 318 such as brush seals alongthe screen edges and interfaces 320 to mitigate air leakage from thestadium 102.

A plurality of triangulated ETFE pillows 322 may be fixed to the frames306, 308 of the screen 302, 304. The screens 302, 304 may have handles(not shown) to facilitate safe operations and locking mechanisms (notshown) for stadium security when the screens are in the closed position.

The screens 302, 304 will have a portion 324 level with a parapet 342 ofa plurality of dwarf wall panels 125. An interface 344 will be formed bya secondary frame 340 and may be an insulated aluminum flashing. Thesecondary frame 340 will provide an additional restraint rail for thesliding screens 302, 306. The insulated flashing will help maintain theintegrity of thermal performance to the stadium 102 while in the closedposition by inhibiting thermal gains to the outer face of the pluralityof wall panels 122 and further inhibit the ingress of sand and debrisinto the sliding screen floor tracks 312. The insulated flashing willform vertical returns at either side of the wall panel opening 142 andwill terminate against the underside of the sliding assembly.

A plurality of roller blind mechanisms 326 may be fixed via cantileversteel brackets 328 to the second roof support 138. The blind mechanism326 will be constructed for outdoor use and will provide solarprotection to the ETFE screens 302, 304. The blind mechanism 326 may bemade of an external weather grade blind fabric 332. The blind mechanism326 may include vertical guide wires 330 at sufficient intervals toadequately tension the blind fabric 332 under normal operatingconditions. The blind mechanism 326 may further include cantileveredbase brackets 334 fixed to the parapet 342 of the plurality of dwarfwall panels 125 to provide restraint and support to the blind mechanism326.

As will be discussed in more detail below with regard to the coolingsystem, the plurality of wall panels 122 may include a plurality ofopenings 344 to accommodate vertical banks of moveable, horizontallouvers 346. The louvers 346 may be comprised of aluminum and located onthe West side of the circular façade 136. The louvers 346 may includemotorized actuators (not shown) connected to the building managementsystem (BMS) which will be discussed in more detail below with referenceto at least FIG. 33. When the louvers 346 on the West side of thecircular façade 136 and the sliding screens 302, 304 on the opposingEast side of the circular façade 136 are in an open position, a naturalcross ventilation may be provided to the interior 134 of the stadium102.

Referring now primarily to FIGS. 22A-25, with further reference to thestadium 102 as described in FIGS. 1-21, a microclimate cooling system400 is presented. The microclimate cooling system 400 may be used in anindoor/outdoor stadium such as stadium 102 illustrated in FIG. 1. Themicroclimate cooling system 400 may be used alone or in combination withelements disclosed herein, to passively reduce the energy demands of astadium 102.

The microclimate cooling system 400 may include a partially rotatableroof such as the moveable roofing system 114 of FIG. 2 having the closedposition 176 for environmentally sealing the interior 134 of the stadium102 and a open position 178 that exposes a portion of the interior 134to the atmosphere 430. The microclimate cooling system 400 may furtherinclude the pitch 118, the seating tribune 128, a raised concretebarrier 434, a first wall 436, a second wall 438, and a plurality of airhandling units 406. The pitch 118 has a length L1 and the seatingtribune 128 may extend approximately the length L1 of the pitch 118. Theseating tribune 128 is positioned adjacent a first side 432 of the pitch118. The raised concrete barrier 434 is adjacent a second side 440 ofthe pitch 118 opposing the first side 432 of the pitch 118. The firstwall 436 is positioned adjacent a third side 442 of the pitch 118 suchthat the first wall 436 is perpendicular to the seating tribune 128 andextends between at least a portion of the seating tribune 128 and theraised concrete barrier 434. The second wall 438 is positioned adjacenta fourth side 444 of the pitch 118 such that the second wall 438 isperpendicular to the seating tribune 128 and extends between at least aportion of the seating tribune 128 and the raised concrete barrier 434.The plurality of air handling units 406 are located beneath the seatingtribune 128 and supply cooling air 446 to the seating tribune 128. Thefirst wall 436 and the second wall 438 funnel the cooling air 446 sothat the cooling air 446 flows from the seating tribune 128 down to thepitch 118 creating a cooled microclimate around the seating tribune 128and the pitch 118. The microclimate cooling system 400 may create acooled microclimate around the seating tribune 128 and the pitch 118 bydownward air movement illustrated by the cooling air arrows 446. As canbe seen in at least FIGS. 22A-22C and FIG. 25, the cooling air 446 flowsfrom the seating tribune 128 down to the pitch 118. The raised concretebarrier 434 opposing the first side 432 of the pitch 118 will pose as abarrier to cooling air 446. The concrete barrier 434 keeps the coolingair 446 flowing down from the seating tribune 128 and across the pitch118 from freely flowing out of the stadium 102. The raised concretebarrier 434 may be part of the circular façade 136. Moreover, the raisedconcrete barrier 434 may be comprised of the plurality of dwarf wallpanels 125.

The stadium microclimate cooling system 400 may further include anunder-tier plenum 404, an air handling plant 402, and ventilationoutlets 414. The microclimate cooling system 400 will supply cooled air446 from the plurality of air handling units 406 associated with the airhandling plant 402 to the under-tier plenum 404. The under-tier plenum404 will distribute the cooled air 446 to the seating tribune 128 viathe ventilation outlets 414 located in a plurality of stadium risers418. A plurality of supplementary supply outlets 416 flanking the pitch118 may be further included as part of the microclimate cooling system400 to create air circulation.

The seating tribune 128 may further include the plurality of stadiumrisers 418 vertically separating a plurality of seating tiers orwalkways 452, each of the seating tiers 452 having a plurality of seats448. The plurality of seats 448 may include a plurality ofmulti-dimensional perforations 450 to facilitate air flow 470. Theplurality of ventilation outlets 414 may be formed within the stadiumrisers 418 to deliver the cooling air 446 to the seating tribune 128. Adiffuser 422 may be positioned over each ventilation outlet 414. Thediffusers 422 distribute the cooling air 446 to the plurality of seats448.

The ventilation outlets 414 may further deliver cooled air 446 from theunder-tier plenum 404 to the ankle zone 454 of the seat 448 immediatelyabove the ventilation outlet 414 and to the neck/back zone 456 of theseat 448 in the next forward row. The seats 448 will havemulti-dimensional perforations 450 to facilitate the air flow 470 of thecooled air 446 to the spectator. The seats 448 include a seat portion458 and a backrest portion 460. Both the seat portion 458 and thebackrest portion 460 may include the multi-dimensional perforations 450.The perforations 450 may be designed such that the perforations 450promote the continuation of the cooling air 446 cascading effect whenthe seat 448 is not in use. The seat 448 may have an overall height h2from the walkway 452 to the top of the backrest portion 460 of 900 mm.The height h1 of the seat 448 above the walkway 452 may be a maximum of450 mm and a minimum is 435 mm.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 22A-22B, but still with reference toFIGS. 1-25, the stadium 102 and the microclimate cooling system 400 ispresented under various conditions. FIG. 22A illustrates the stadium 102in the closed position 176 receiving and reflecting solar radiation 466from the sun. When in the closed position 176, the microclimate coolingsystem 400 may run in a full circulation mode 462 for cooling a totalvolume Vt. The microclimate cooling system 400 may distribute air in thefull circulation mode 462 to a plurality of air handling units inaddition to the air handling units that focus on the seating tribune 128and the pitch 118. Heat 468 is reflected off the stadium 102. Air flow470 moves through the moveable roofing system 114 to help dissipate heatbuild up in the roof. Cooling air 446 is delivered to the stadiumtribune 128 and the pitch 118. As illustrated, the plurality of dwarfwall panels 125 block the cooling air 446 from exiting the stadium 102and rebounds the cooling air 446 back into the stadium 102. Forillustrative purposes, FIG. 22A shows a total volume Vt of the stadium102 broken into three different volumes. The three different volumes area first volume V1, a second volume V2, and a third volume V3. The firstvolume V1 is the top volume of the stadium 102 and is associated with afirst temperature zone T1. The second volume V2 is the intermediatevolume of the stadium 102 and is associated with a second temperaturezone T2. The third volume V3, is the lower volume and includes theportion of the stadium 102 having the seating tribune 128 and the pitch118. The third volume V3 is associated with a third temperature zone T3.The different volumes V1, V2, and V3 generally show the three maintemperature zones T1, T2, and T3, respectively. The third temperature T3is cooler than both the first and second temperature zones T1 and T2because the microclimate cooling system 400 efficiently cools the firstvolume without too much loss of cooling to the upper volumes, the firstand second volumes V1 and V2. The second temperature T2 is warmer thanthe first temperature zone T1 but cooler than the third temperature zoneT3. While the microclimate circulation mode 464 may cool the entirestadium 102, the may still be temperature variations as the heat willrise to the top of the stadium 102. Warm air has an air density greaterthan cool air, thus the warm air may help maintain the cooling air 446around the seating tribune 128 and the pitch 118.

FIG. 22B is similar to FIG. 22A except FIG. 22B illustrates the stadium102 in the open position 178. In this embodiment, the first and secondvolumes V1 and V2 are combined having a combined temperature Tc greaterthan the third temperature T3. The third temperature zone T3 is stillcooler than the combined temperature Tc. FIG. 22B illustrates that themicroclimate cooling system 400 may maintain a focused cooling to theseating tribune 128 and the pitch 118. In the open position 178, themicroclimate cooling system 400 may run in a microclimate mode 464 thatfocus the cooled air 446 to areas where spectators and players will besuch as the seating tribune 128 and the pitch 118.

FIG. 22C illustrates the stadium 102 in the open position 178 during theevening when the sun has either set or is in a position that dissipatesless solar radiation. There may not be much variation in temperaturefrom the top volume of the stadium 102 to the bottom volume of thestadium 102 do to cool night air mingling with the cooling air 446.

The under-tier plenum 404 may include a plurality of concrete units (notshown) enclosing the plenum 404, steel rakers (not shown) for supportingthe plenum 404, and a soffit cladding system 426 for insulating theplenum 404. The air handling plant 402 will include appropriate airreturn and supply ducts 410, 412, respectively. The plurality ofventilation outlets 414 will be positioned adjacent the seating tribune128 and may further be placed in other areas of the stadium 102. Theplurality of ventilation outlets 414 may include supplementary outlets416 adjacent the pitch 118. The stadium 102 will provide thermalinsulation by way of external façades such as the circular façade 136and a roofing system such as the moveable roofing system 114. Thecircular façade 136, the seating tribune 128, and other elements ofstadium 102 may be made from concrete having a thermal inertia materialproperties for maintaining surrounding air temperatures. Themicroclimate cooling system 400 does not require the interior 134 of thestadium 102 to be sealed or in a closed position 176 at all times tofunction. The stadium 102 is configured to provide thermal insulationand a barrier to cooling air 446 escaping the microclimate when thestadium 102 is in both an open and closed position 176, 178.

The seating tribune 128 may be made from a plurality of pre-castconcrete units (not shown) that may be supported on steel raker beams.As previously mentioned, concrete units may be used for the concretesthermal inertia value. The under-tier plenum 404 will be constructed tothe underside of the seating tribune 128 and the plenum cladding 426will be hung from a structural soffit. The steel rakers will be enclosedwithin the plenum 404. The plurality of ventilation outlets 414 will beformed within the concrete tribune units along the stadium risers 418.The diffuser 422 may cover the entire ventilation outlet 414 todistribute the cooled air 446.

As previously stated, the plenum 404 will include cladding 426. Thecladding is constructed to help create a substantially sealed areawithin the plenum 404 such that the plenum 404 may be able to resist thepassage of air. The plenum 404 may be constructed such that the airleakage rates will be better than 0.6 liters/sec/m̂2 against a pressureof +25 Pa. The soffit cladding system 426 may be a metal insulatedcomposite panel comprising two steel facings bonded to high densitymineral wool core panels.

Outside air to the air handling unit 402 will be supplied via ductconnections to the ground floor external air supply plenum 410 on thewest façade. The air handling unit 402 will supply cooled air 446 to theunder-tier plenum 404 by multiple duct connections in the plenum soffitcladding panels. The air handling supply unit 402 will also provide asupplementary cooled air 446 supply to the playing area 118 viasupplementary outlets 416 in the pitch-end flank walls or the first andsecond walls 436, 438. Heat exchangers 428 will recover residual coolingcapacity from the exhaust air for re-use as supplementary supply to theunder-tier plenums 404.

Referring now to FIGS. 23-24, the zero-carbon energy infrastructure 104for presenting a sustainable energy stadium infrastructure, aspreviously presented with reference to FIG. 1, is illustrated in moredetail. The infrastructure 104 may be used in conjunction with thepreviously mentioned stadium 102. The infrastructure 104 may include asolar farm 502 connected to the public power grid 110 and a stadiumpower control subsystem 504. The solar farm 502 is configured to harnesssufficient energy from the sun to provide lighting, heating, and powerto offset energy used by the stadium 102.

The solar farm 502 includes a plurality of photovoltaic panels 506 and aplurality of solar heat collectors 508 positioned adjacent to theplurality of photovoltaic panels 506. The solar heat collectors 508 mayinclude a plurality of motorized mirrors 516 that track the sun to focusa thermal energy from the sun onto a plurality of collecting tubes 518to heat water circulating in the plurality of collecting tubes 518.

The solar farm 502 is connected to a heat storage tank 510 to store theheated water collected from the plurality of collecting tubes 518. Anabsorption chiller 512 is connected to the heat storage tank 510 andconverts the energy from the heated water into chilled water. The waterchilled from the absorption chiller 512 is then sent to a thermalstorage tank 514 or a eutectic tank. A eutectic tank is a vesselcontaining packages of material that stores thermal energy from thesurrounding thermo-fluid (in this case water) by changing phase, sochanging from liquid to solid or vice versa. The eutectic tank 514 maybe stored beneath the stadium 102. Chilled water can either becirculated directly to the air handling units 520 which supply chilledair to the various parts of the stadium 102 or via the eutectic tank 514for supplying cooling to the plurality of air handling units 406 fordistribution to the stadium 102. air handling units 406 are provided tosupply air to the under-tier plenum 404 and hence to the interior 128.Another air handling unit supplies air to other spaces within thebuilding including the upper terrace to the rear of the showcase and tothe hospitality suite. This first air handling unit also supplies air totwo diffusers 422 on either side of the pitch 118 to supplement thecooling of the pitch 118 in addition to that supplied under the seats448.

Referring now primarily to FIGS. 28-33, the zero carbon stadiuminfrastructure 100 further includes a building management system 600(BMS) to monitor and centrally coordinate the infrastructure's 100operation. The BMS 600 is based upon a network of intelligentcontrollers 602, such as stadium power controller 504, for controllingthe MEP plant and equipment within the stadium 102. The controllers 602will carry out control and monitoring functions of the services plant.The controllers 602 will execute, using defined software, all necessaryoptimization, time and temperature requirements for the mechanical plantand equipment, ensuring that the building services operate safely andefficiently. While three controllers 602 are illustrated in FIG. 33, itshould be appreciated that more or less controllers 602 may be usedbased on the control needs of the stadium 102.

The controllers 602 will be linked via a communications network 606 to acentral operators station. The operators station will be web enabled andwill act as a viewing platform only for the control functions carriedout by the controllers 602. The controllers 602 will be complete withpower supplies, a real time clock, input and output modules, memory,processors and all other items necessary for proper and correctinterfacing and operation of the plant control functions. Thecontrollers 602 will have peer-to-peer communications as well asstandalone capability such that a failure of the operator's station willstill permit the plant and controls associated with the controllers 602,to continue to operate normally with the controllers 602 continuing tocommunicate with one another.

In the event of transmission failure in the controller network 606 thecontrollers 602 will continue to operate with all sequence interlocksand control strategies operating normally excepting those which requireglobal information. Either user adjustable default values or the lastsensed value will then be assume for these global parameters.

In the graphics mode, the operator's station will provide automaticupdating of real time field data. Each graphic will incorporate up to 40freely assigned connected or calculated points. Graphics will beavailable via the intranet/internet.

A method of cooling an interior volume of an indoor/outdoor stadium 102prior to an event includes the positioning the roof in a closed position176 at least 24 hours prior to the event; cooling the interior volume ofthe stadium 102 using cooling units while the roof is in the closedposition 176; positioning the roof in an open position 178 prior to theevent; and cooling only a portion of the interior volume using thecooling units during the event. The event may be held at a time selectedin response to environmental factors.

In one embodiment of stadium 102, an automated control system isutilized to control the roof and other movable aspects of stadium 102.For example, while the positioning of movable roofing system 114 may beadjusted in response to a real-time human interaction such as flipping aswitch or manipulating another actuator, in certain embodiments theposition may be automatically adjusted in response to environmentalconditions, indicated preferences, or rules imposed by a rules-basedengine. Environmental conditions may include the position of the sun,precipitation, temperature, wind strength, wind direction, the radianttemperature of the stadium 102 or any surrounding ground or structure,time of day, day of the year, or any other suitable condition relevantto best achieving a comfortable stadium environment or reducing energyconsumption. Indicated preferences may include a desired temperature,degree of shading, level of energy consumption, or any other preferenceexpressed by a user of the control system that may also be relevant toachieving a comfortable stadium environment or reducing energyconsumption. Rules may include rules and guidelines for the operation ofmovable aspects of stadium such as movable roofing system 114. Forexample, one rule may be that the roof may not move during the course ofa football match, or only at certain times during the match. Other rulesmay interact with observed environment conditions to only allow certainpositions of a roof based on observed environmental conditions. Each ofthe foregoing conditions, preferences, and rules may be stored into amemory associated with the automated control system and accessed andutilized by a processor of the automated control system in order toautomatically determine the appropriate position of movable aspects ofstadium 102. Such a determination may be made on a regular basis, suchas every 5 minutes, or only prior to the beginning of each footballmatch once per game, or at any other suitable time or interval. Theappropriate position can then be compared by the processor to thecurrent position of the movable aspects of stadium 102 and any necessaryadjustment determined. Such adjustment can then be communicated to allnecessary actuation systems of the movable aspects to physically adjustthe position of those aspects. In one embodiment, environmentalconditions may be taken directly from a weather station or otherobservation device or instrument mounted directly on stadium 102 orotherwise proximal to its location. In another embodiment, they may bereceived from a remote weather station such as a government weatherstation, airport, website, or other suitable source for environmentalconditions. Any suitable combination of instruments and monitoringdevices may be used to provide environmental condition information tothe automated control system. The automated control system may beequipped with suitable user interfaces for providing conditions,preferences, and rules and displaying current conditions and the currentposition or movement of each moveable aspect of stadium 102. In such amanner, the automated control system provides a real-time responsivenessto the moveable aspects of stadium 102 to quickly and automaticallyrespond to changes in environmental conditions that may impact thecomfort of spectators and players and better preserve energy.

It should be apparent from the foregoing that an invention havingsignificant advantages has been provided. While the invention is shownin only a few of its forms, it is not just limited but is susceptible tovarious changes and modifications without departing from the spiritthereof.

1. A method of cooling an interior volume of an indoor/outdoor stadiumprior to an event, the method comprising: Positioning a roof in a closedposition at least 24 hours prior to the event; cooling the interiorvolume of the stadium using cooling units while the roof is in theclosed position; positioning the roof in an open position prior to theevent; and cooling only a portion of the interior volume using thecooling units during the event.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein theportion of the interior volume is a microclimate within the stadium 3.The method of claim 1, wherein the event is held at a time selected inresponse to environmental factors.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein thecooling units are powered using thermal energy from the sun.
 5. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the cooling units use a eutectic system forcooling when the roof is in the open position.